we just heard gwen's report on massachusetts. let's talk about missouri >> what a disaster for republicans >> woodruff: what a fascinating race >> i was talking to a republican vat who told me the republicans had a poll just a few days before todd akin made his ill advised comments about rape, legitimate rape. akin was up by a dozen points over democrat claire mccaskill. that race is tanked for republicans. akin refused to get out of the race. a lot of republicans wanted him out. he has stayed in. some conservatives think there may be an opportunity here but there's no doubt todd akin is a significant underdog against claire mccaskill who six months ago looked like she had no chance of winning >> not just an underdog in missouri but a problem for republican candidates elsewhere. we've seen mitt romney in the presidential race trying hard to get women votes. the controversy over todd akin has been a problem for him. >> woodruff: one of the reasons that the romney campaign has continued not to endorse or stay behind todd akin. let'